Best time to visit Cambodia

Why visit in February
February is still one of the best months to visit Cambodia. The dry season continues, with warm, rain-free days in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (26–31°C), and calm beach conditions ideal for swimming. Travel is smooth: boats, roads and flights run reliably. Late in the month, heat starts to build – as rainy season approaches.

Things to consider
Humidity slowly rises as the month goes on – and you may start to feel it particularly in the late afternoons.

Festivals, events & activities
Meak Bochea (in memory of Buddha’s final sermon) lands on the full moon of the third lunar month – usually in February. The occasion is marked with meditations, alms giving and walking around temples three times (each round has its own spiritual meaning).

Why visit in March
March is a great month for a full sweep through Cambodia. The dry season is still going strong, with clear skies and hot, dry weather across Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the south (28–33°C). Rivers and trails remain accessible, making it a reliable time to link temples, countryside and coast.

Things to consider
Heat peaks in late March, so we recommend reducing intense activity midday. River water levels drop, so boat trips along smaller canals in more rural zones may be limited.

Festivals, events & activities
There are no big festivals this month, but preparations for Khmer New Year begin: cleaning homes and making offerings to monks. This is a month for seeing Cambodia between its party periods, at a time of year when the sun is shining, and there is little to no rainfall.

Why visit in April
April is Cambodia’s hottest month (29–35°C), so it’s best to plan temple visits for the cooler mornings and save the afternoons for beach time or a shady cafe. The dry season usually holds until mid-month, making it possible to link Angkor, Phnom Penh and Koh Rong before the rains arrives. Humidity builds as the month goes on, but Khmer New Year brings a burst of festive energy to towns across the country.

Things to consider
It’s seriously hot this time of year. You’ll want to stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade (consider this your friendly reminder). In drier highland areas, you might notice conditions become hazy and dusty.

Festivals, events & activities
Khmer New Year, usually celebrated from 14th–16th April, is Cambodia’s biggest festival – marking the end of the harvest and the start of the new year. Homes are decorated, streets come alive with dancing, and communities gather for playful (often energetic!) games. The first day, Koha Sonkran, centres on temple visits, offerings and washing with holy water. Wanabat, the second day, is about giving to those in need. Festivities end with Leung Sakk, when Buddha statues are cleansed with perfumed water to invite good fortune for the year ahead.

Why visit in May
May marks the start of the rains, with dry mornings and dramatic afternoon downpours. Temperatures stay high (27–32°C), but with a little planning, it’s still a good time for city sights, morning markets and temple trails. Coastal areas begin to cool, and the countryside starts to flourish – it’s called the “green season” for a reason. Visitor numbers drop, so there’s more space at the big-hitter sights (Angkor Wat, we’re looking at you). If your timing is flexible, May gives you a front-row seat to Cambodia in transition.

Things to consider
Stronger storms hit later in day – so keep an eye on the forecast and plan accordingly. Roads, especially in rural or northeastern regions, may begin to degrade, so travel can be delayed or disrupted.

Festivals, events & activities
May is festival season in Cambodia. Vesak Bochea, the most sacred date in the Buddhist calendar, commemorates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death. Temples fill with worshippers offering flowers, chanting hymns and giving thanks, while acts of generosity – like donations and gifts to those in need – are common across the country.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a centuries-old ritual held in front of the National Museum, marks the start of the rice-planting season. The king’s representative ploughs the field with oxen, with the queen’s representative sowing seeds behind them in a ceremony that is said to predict that year’s harvest.

And if you’re in Phnom Penh on 14th May, King Norodom Sihamoni’s birthday is marked with a public holiday and celebrations that often include fireworks over the city.

Why visit in June
June marks the start of Cambodia’s green season, with regular afternoon showers and clearer mornings that still suit sightseeing. Temperatures in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap tend to ease, ranging between 27°C and 31°C. Beaches are hit-and-miss but still pleasant on clear days. While the rain may deter some, this is a great time for those happy to trade sunshine for quieter temples, refreshed landscapes and better value.

Things to consider
Rain is more consistent which will impact outdoor activities and travel. River levels rise and many river cruises cease operating. It’s not the best (or safest) month for forest treks and rural roads may become impassable.

Festivals, events & activities
It’s not a big festival month. It’s hot, humid and rainy. In short: a quieter time of year to visit and experience Cambodia’s routine away from festivities.

Why visit in July
July falls squarely in the wet season, but travel is still possible with planning. Make the most of drier morning for visiting temples – where overcast skies and mist give Angkor a cinematic feel (often with far fewer tourists, too). Heavy rain often arrives late afternoon, so head for cover. Visiting the islands isn’t recommended – ferry services aren’t reliable due to storms.

Things to consider
Afternoon storms are very likely, making transport far less reliable. Some ferries stop running, and roads and remote trails may flood.

Festivals, events & activities
Once again, the rains dominate and its quiet on the festival front. This is Cambodia as it is lived, day to day. Make the most of a slower pace and fewer crowds. Thanks to the rains, fruit and veg is at its peak, piled high in markets or hanging low on the trees: jackfruit, mangosteens, dragon fruit and the divisive durian.

Why visit in August
August can be a tricky month, but for those willing to work around the rain it’s a quieter, less busy time to visit Cambodia. Mornings are often dry – ideal for temples and outdoor excursions – while the rains bring vivid green landscapes and a sense of calm. At Angkor, stormy skies and moody light give the temples an even more spiritual feel.

Things to consider
Frequent storms and heavy rainfall – there’s no sugar coating it (but remember, morning are often dry). Some flights or ferries cancel, and very rural roads become inaccessible.

Festivals, events & activities
Ullambana (Ghost Festival) often falls in August, when it’s believed deceased ancestors come to visit the living. Food is offered, incense burns and an empty seat is set at dining tables for the deceased.

Why visit in September
September is one of the wettest months, but with a bit of flexibility, travel is still possible. Showers tend to fall around midday, making mornings and late afternoons your best windows for temples or city walks. Rural roads can be unreliable after months of rain, but prices drop and the countryside glows green. High water levels open up boat crossings on Tonlé Sap.

Things to consider
Flooding remains a risk and road routes may be cut off. Very remote areas remain completely inaccessible.

Festivals, events & activities
Pchum Ben is a 15-day celebration commemorating deceased ancestors. Families make food and bring it to their closest pagoda – it’s believed that departed loved ones gather to receive the homemade snacks.

Why visit in October
October marks a seasonal shift, as the rains begin to ease – particularly in Phnom Penh and the central region. Mornings are often clear, while afternoon showers linger. With some thoughtful planning, it’s possible to link temples, cities and a river cruise this month.

Things to consider
Downpours can last all day, so it’s worth building some flexibility into your plans.

Festivals, events & activities
The King’s Coronation Day is celebrated on 29th October with parades and fireworks and a public holiday. Bom Ou Touk (Water Festival) can also land this month.

Why visit in November
November is one of the best times to visit Cambodia. The dry season returns, skies are clear, humidity drops, and travel becomes refreshingly straightforward. This is when the country clicks into place – from temple-hopping in Angkor to breezy riverfront days in Phnom Penh and relaxed beach time on the southern coast. With reliable weather, good road conditions and navigable rivers, it’s easy to link all your key stops into one smooth trip.

Things to consider
Tourist demand rises, so it’s a more expensive time to travel – book early in the big cities and most popular coastal zones.

Festivals, events & activities
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) can fall in early November. Expect longboats painted with dragon eyes and Khmer patterns racing down the river, temple ceremonies giving thanks to the moon and Cambodians gathering to share ambok – toasted rice with banana and coconut.

Why visit in December
December is dry, weather is stable. Siem Reap, Phnom Penh and the coast have lots of sunshine, clear skies and moderate heat (24–30 °C). Conditions are ideal for temples, cruises, exploring cities and beach time. It’s among the most reliable months to explore Cambodia.

Things to consider
It’s peak tourist season so the most popular sights and cities will be busier than earlier in the year, and accommodation and travel prices will be higher. It can get cold in the highlands of the national parks.

Festivals, events & activities
Christmas isn’t really celebrated in Cambodia, and life goes on as normal, but bigger hotels will have the decorations up (and you might find the odd Santa hat in the main cities!).